Predators deal all-star defenceman P.K. Subban to Devils

P.K. Subban is leaving Music City.

The Nashville Predators traded the 30-year-old defenceman to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday ahead of the second round of the NHL draft.

New Jersey surrendered blue-liners Steven Santini and Jeremy Davies and two second-round picks (2019 and 202) in an exchange that gives Nashville salary cap relief.

"We appreciate P.K.'s contribution to the Predators and the Nashville community over the past three seasons, which have seen our organization have unprecedented success," Predators general manager David Poile said in a statement.

"We had to make a business decision. With an aim at strengthening our forward corps this off-season, and the continued strength of our defensive group, we felt it was necessary to clear up salary cap space this way."

Originally selected 43rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007, Subban has 98 goals and 310 assists in 645 career games. The Toronto native has registered 62 points in 96 career playoff outings.

The Predators chose not to honour the no-movement clause in Subban's contract once he became their player.

Santini, 24, has 21 points in 114 NHL games, all with the Devils. New Jersey signed Davies to an entry-level deal at the beginning of April.

Canucks acquire J.T. Miller

The Vancouver Canucks made a splash at their home draft on Saturday, acquiring forward J.T. Miller from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Miller, 26, had 13 goals and 34 assists for the Lightning last season.

He was originally selected 15th overall by the Rangers in 2011 and spent six seasons in New York before he was dealt to Tampa Bay in 2018.

Salary cap announced

The league and the NHL Players' Association announced the figure Saturday, a day before teams can begin meeting with prospective unrestricted free agents ahead of the signing period opening July 1. The cap rose by $2 million from last season, though teams at or near the maximum were counting additional room in order to sign or re-sign players.